11 February 2026

Student-assistent meta-analyse over executieve functies en schoolse vaardigheden (0,3-0,4 fte, 4-6 maanden)

The Institute of Education and Child Studies is looking for a student research assistant for the NRO project “How meaningful is training executive functions as a driver of academic skills? (in Dutch: Hoe zinvol is het trainen van executieve functies als impuls voor schoolse vaardigheden?)”.

Project description

In recent years, executive functions (EF) have received increasing attention in education. A growing number of training programs and teaching methods have been developed that teachers can use in the classroom to stimulate students’ executive functions. However, findings from scientific studies on the effectiveness of EF training are inconsistent, making it difficult to design education based on scientific evidence. A meta-analysis can help address this issue.

The aim of a meta-analysis is to integrate the results of multiple studies that investigate the same effect. By conducting such a meta-analysis, dr. Elise Swart, prof. dr. Marga Sikkemade Jong, and dr. Emma Everaert — with your help! — aim to answer the question of whether EF training is effective, and whether EF training also impacts the development of academic skills such as language/reading and mathematics. The outcomes of the meta-analysis will be used to support educational professionals in making informed choices from the range of teaching methods and interventions targeting executive functions and academic skills.

For this research project, we are looking for a student research assistant for the spring and summer of 2026.

Your tasks

• Systematically assessing full-text versions of articles for inclusion based on predefined criteria.
• Coding articles and checking information using a coding scheme. 
• Consulting with other researchers to discuss differences in coding and to ensure consistency in procedures.

For this position, it is possible to work partly from home. We do expect you to participate regularly in meetings. You will carry out your work in close collaboration with other researchers within the project and possibly with one or more thesis students.

Your profile

• You are a third-year bachelor’s student or a master’s student in one of the Social Sciences, preferably Education and Child Studies or Psychology.
• You have an interest in scientific research and are able to critically read and understand complex scientific articles.
• You work very accurately and in a structured manner.
• You are able to work independently and collaborate effectively with others.
• Experience with systematic reviews or meta-analyses is a plus but not required.
• You are regularly available for meetings on Mondays or Tuesdays.

We offer

• Relevant work experience within academic research.
• An appointment of 0.3 FTE (11.4 hours per week) for 6 months or 0.4 FTE (15.2 hours per week) for 4 months. The appointment will be arranged via Jobmotion. Start date: by mutual agreement, preferably starting from April 2026.
• Salary depending on knowledge and experience (Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities, salary scale SA).
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home.
• Friendly colleagues.

Want to apply or have any questions?

Want to apply or have any questions? Are you enthusiastic? Please send your motivation letter and CV to Emma Everaert (e.everaert@fsw.leidenuniv.nl). If you would like more information about this position, feel free to send an email as well.

Applications can be submitted until March 4, 2026. You will be informed by March 6 whether you are invited for an interview. Interviews will take place on March 9, 10 and 11.